November 26, 2012

Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

I, John, looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion,and with him a hundred and forty-four thousandwho had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.I heard a sound from heavenlike the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder.The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne,before the four living creatures and the elders.No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousandwho had been ransomed from the earth.These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes.They have been ransomed as the first fruitsof the human race for God and the Lamb.On their lips no deceit has been found; they are unblemished.

R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;the world and those who dwell in it.For he founded it upon the seasand established it upon the rivers.R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?or who may stand in his holy place?He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,who desires not what is vain.R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,a reward from God his savior.Such is the race that seeks for him,that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy peopleputting their offerings into the treasuryand he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.He said, "I tell you truly,this poor widow put in more than all the rest;for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

[1] Then I looked, and lo, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him a hundred
and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s name written on their
foreheads. [2] And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and
like the sound of loud thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpers pla-
ying on their harps, [3] and they sing a new song before the throne and before the
four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except
the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth. [4]
It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes; these have been redeemed
from mankind as first fruits for God and the Lamb, [5] and in their mouth no lie
was found, for they are spotless.

14:1-16:21 The book now turns to the Lamb and to divine judgment (anticipating
the victory of the Lamb). It stays with this theme up to chapter 17 at which point
the powers of evil appear again (in various symbolic forms) and are subjected to
the judgment of God. First we are shown the Lamb and his entourage (cf. 14:1-
5); immediately after this the Last Judgment is proclaimed and a preliminary de-
scription given (14:6-20); the glory of the Lamb is again extolled (cf. 15:1-4) and
the unleashing of the wrath of God is further described in terms of the pouring
out of the seven bowls (cf. 15:5-16:21).

In opposition to the powers of evil and the active hostility to God and the Church
caused by the machinations of Satan stand the risen Christ and his followers,
who sing in praise of his glory and triumph. These followers are those who have
attained redemption; the salvation will reach its climax when the Kingdom of
God is fully established (the marriage of the Lamb, and the heavenly Jerusalem:
chaps. 21-22). In the meantime, although the Church has to do battle with the
forces of evil, it can contemplate Christ “as an innocent lamb (who) merited life
for us by his blood which he freely shed. In him God reconciled us to himself
and to one another, freeing us from the bondage of the devil and of sin, so that
each one of us could say with the Apostle: the Son of God ‘loved me and gave
himself for me’ (Gal 2:20)” (Vatican II, “Gaudium Et Spes”, 22).

1-3. It is highly significant that the Lamb stands on Mount Zion, in Jerusalem,
which was where God dwelt among men according to the Old Testament (cf. Ps
74:1; 132:14; etc.) and where, according to certain Jewish traditions, the Messi-
ah would appear, to join all his followers. The assembly, then, is an idealization
of the Church, protected by Christ and gathered about him. It includes all those
who belong to Christ and to the Father and who therefore bear his mark, which
shows them to be children of God. They are so many that it is impossible to
count them, but their number is complete: they are given a symbolic number
which is 12 (the tribes of Israel) by 12 (the Apostles) by 1000 (a number indica-
ting a huge scale): cf. Rev 7:3ff.

The one hundred and forty-four thousand are not yet in heaven (for the loud noise
comes from heaven); they are on earth, but they have been rescued from the po-
wer of the beast (cf. 13:13-14). The verse from heaven symbolizes the strength
and power of God; and the heavenly voice speaks with the gentleness of liturgi-
cal music. It is a new song, for it now sings of the salvation wrought by Christ (cf.
15: 34) in the same style as the Old Testament chants the praises of God (cf.,
e.g., Ps 33:3; 40:2; 96:1). Only those who belong to Christ can join in this song
and be associated with the heavenly liturgy: “It is especially in the sacred liturgy
that our union with the heavenly Church is best realized; in the liturgy, through the
sacramental signs, the power of the Holy Spirit acts on us, and with community
rejoicing we celebrate together the praise of the divine majesty; when all those
of every tribe and tongue and people and nation (cf. Rev 5:9) who have been re-
deemed by the blood of Christ and gathered together into one Church glorify, in
one common song of praise, the one and triune God” (”Lumen Gentium”, 50).

4-5. The text refers to those who are properly disposed to take part in the mar-
riage supper of the Lamb (cf. 19:9; 21:2) because they have not been stained
by idolatry but have kept themselves undefiled for him. St Paul compares every
Christian to a chaste virgin (cf. 2 Cor 11:2) and describes the Church as the
spouse of Christ (cf. Eph 5:21-32). The author of the Apocalypse is referring to
all the members of the Church insofar as they are holy, that is, called to holi-
ness; but the symbolism he uses also draws attention to the fact that virginity
and celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven is a special expression and
clear sign of the Church as Bride of Christ. Referring to the chastity practiced
by religious, the Second Vatican Council teaches that in this way they “recall
that wonderful marriage made by God, which will be fully manifested in the fu-
ture age, and in which the Church has Christ for her only spouse” (”Perfectae
Caritatis”, 12).

The one hundred and forty-four thousand are also those who have identified
themselves fully with Christ, dead and risen, by denying themselves and devo-
ting all their energies to apostolate (cf. Mt 10:38). They also stand for those
whom Christ, by the shedding of his blood, has made his own and his Father’s
property (like Israel, the first fruits of Yahweh: cf. Jer 2:3), that is, those who
constitute a holy people like that remnant of Israel described in Zephaniah 3:13:
“they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth
a deceitful tongue.” The prophet’s words refer to people who have not invoked
false gods, but the Apocalypse applies them to those who are fully committed
to Christ.

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

[1] He (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; [2]
and He saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. [3] And He said, “Truly I tell
you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; [4] for they all contributed
out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living she had.”

1-4. Our Lord, surrounded by His disciples, watches people putting offerings into
the treasury. This was a place in the women’s courtyard, where there were va-
rious collection boxes for the offerings of the faithful. Just then, something hap-
pens whose significance Jesus wants His disciples to notice: a poor widow puts
in two small coins, of very little value. He describes this as the greatest offering
of all, praising the generosity of giving alms for this purpose, particularly that of
those people who give part of what they need. Our Lord is moved by this tiny of-
fering because in her case it implies a big sacrifice. “The Lord does not look”,
St. John Chrysostom comments, “at the amount offered but at the affection with
which it is offered” (”Hom. on Heb”, 1). Generosity is of the essence of almsgi-
ving. This woman teaches us that we can move God’s heart if we give Him all we
can, which will always amount to very little even if we give our very lives. “How lit-
tle a life is to offer to God!” (St. J. Escriva, “The Way”, 42).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

Readings at Mass

In my vision I, John, saw Mount Zion, and standing on it a Lamb who had with him a hundred and forty-four thousand people, all with his name and his Fathers name written on their foreheads. I heard a sound coming out of the sky like the sound of the ocean or the roar of thunder; it seemed to be the sound of harpists playing their harps. There in front of the throne they were singing a new hymn in the presence of the four animals and the elders, a hymn that could only be learnt by the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the world; they follow the Lamb wherever he goes; they have been redeemed from amongst men to be the first-fruits for God and for the Lamb. They never allowed a lie to pass their lips and no fault can be found in them.

As Jesus looked up, he saw rich people putting their offerings into the treasury; then he happened to notice a poverty-stricken widow putting in two small coins, and he said, I tell you truly, this poor widow has put in more than any of them; for these have all contributed money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in all she had to live on.

Following are the Prayers after Low Mass which were prescribed by Pope Leo XIII who composed the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel, and were reinforced by Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII to pray for the conversion of Russia. Below the normal Leonine Prayers is the longer version of the Prayer to St. Michael, composed by His Excellency Pope Leo XIII to defend against The Great Apostasy.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Said 3 times)

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee to we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mouring and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray: and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.

Complete Prayer to Saint Michael

The following is the longer version of the vital prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 after his startling vision as to the future of the Church. This prayer was dedicated for the Feast of St. Michael 1448 years from the date of the election of the first Leo - Pope Saint Leo the Great. Everyone is familiar with the first prayer below which was mandated by His Holiness as part of the Leonine Prayers after Low Mass. Below are both the short and longer versions of this poignant prayer which should never be forgotten.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou, O heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

O glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of our Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in heaven. That cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the Name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay, and cast into eternal perdition, souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. That wicked dragon pours out. as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on Her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck the sheep may be scattered. Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious powers of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.

V: Let us pray. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as suppliants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin, immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of our souls. Amen.

Prayer Before the Crucifix

Look down upon me, O good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment; the while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me, calling to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my good Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.Body of Christ, save me.Blood of Christ, inebriate me.Water from the side of Christ, wash me.Passion of Christ, strengthen me.O Good Jesus, hear me.Within Thy wounds, hide me.Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.From the malignant enemy, defend me.In the hour of my death, call me.And bid me come to Thee, that withThy saints I may praise Thee for ever and ever. Amen.

Indulgence of 300 days; if recited after devout reception of Holy Communion, seven years Raccolta 131)

Prayer for Vocations

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst take to Thyself a body and soul like ours, to teach us the glory of self-sacrifice and service, mercifully deign to instill in other hearts the desire to dedicate their lives to Thee. Give us PRIESTS to stand before Thine Altar and to preach the words of Thy Gospel; BROTHERS to assist the priests and to reproduce in themselves Thy humility; SISTERS to teach the young and nurse the sick and to minister Thy charity to all; LAY PEOPLE to imitate Thee in their homes and families. Amen

1. Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

3. The Lord's Prayer: OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

4. (3) Hail Mary: HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)

5. Glory Be: GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

The Mysteries of the Rosary

By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary. The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle Be our protection against the wickednessand snares of the devil;May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, Cast into hell Satan and all the evil spiritswho prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen+

Evening PrayerSomeone has said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?

There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Please forward this to your praying friends.

II Maccabees 12:43-46: "And making a gathering, he [Judas] sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection, (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,) And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins."

November Devotion: The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. As a reminder of our duty to pray for the suffering faithful in Purgatory, the Church has dedicated the month of November to the Holy Souls. The Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment due to their unforgiven venial sins and all other sins already forgiven for which satisfaction is still to be made. They are certain of entering Heaven, but first they must suffer in Purgatory. The Holy Souls cannot help themselves because for them the night has come, when no man can work (John 9:4). It is our great privilege of brotherhood that we can shorten their time of separation from God by our prayers, good works, and, especially, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

To Help the Holy Souls in Purgatory:

1. Have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered up for them.

2. Pray the Rosary and or the Chaplet of Divine Marcy for them, or both.

3. Pray the Stations of the Cross.

4. Offer up little sacrifices and fasting.

5. Spread devotion to them, so that others may pray for them.

6. Attend Eucharistic Adoration and pray for them.

7. Gain all the indulgences you can, and apply them to the Holy Souls

8. Visit to a Cemetery

Say here the prayer for the day, click on torch for specific day:

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Litany for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

V. The just shall be in everlasting remembrance;

R. He shall not fear the evil hearing.

V. Absolve, O Lord, the souls of the faithful departed from every bond of sin,

R. And by the help of Thy grace may they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment,

and to enjoy the happiness of eternal life.

V. Because in Thy mercy are deposited the souls that departed in an inferior degree of grace,

R. Lord, have mercy.

V. Because their present suffering is greatest in the knowledge of the pain that their separation from Thee is causing Thee,

R. Lord, have mercy.

V. Because of their present inability to add to Thy accidental glory,

R. Lord, have mercy.

V. Not for our consolation, O Lord; not for their release from purgative pain, O God;

but for Thy joy and the greater accidental honour of Thy throne, O Christ the King,

R. Lord, have mercy.

V. For the souls of our departed friends, relations and benefactors,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those of our family who have fallen asleep in Thy bosom, O Jesus,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those who have gone to prepare our place,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. (For those who were our brothers [or sisters] in Religion,)

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For priests who were our spiritual directors,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For men or women who were our teachers in school,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those who were our employers (or employees),

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those who were our associates in daily toil,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For any soul whom we ever offended,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For our enemies now departed,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those souls who have none to pray for them,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those forgotten by their friends and kin,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those now suffering the most,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those who have acquired the most merit,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For the souls next to be released from Purgatory,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those who, while on earth, were most devoted to God the Holy Ghost, to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament,

to the holy Mother of God,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For all deceased popes and prelates,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For all deceased priests, seminarians and religious,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For all our brethren in the Faith everywhere,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For all our separated brethren who deeply loved Thee, and would have come into Thy household had they known the truth,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those souls who need, or in life asked, our prayers,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. For those, closer to Thee than we are, whose prayers we need,

R. grant light and peace, O Lord.

V. That those may be happy with Thee forever, who on earth were true exemplars of the Catholic Faith,

R. grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

V. That those may be admitted to Thine unveiled Presence, who as far as we know never committed mortal sin,

R. grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

V. That those may be housed in glory, who lived always in recollection and prayer,

R. grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

V. That those may be given the celestial joy of beholding Thee, who lived lives of mortification and self-denial and penance,

R. grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

V. That those may be flooded with Thy love, who denied themselves even Thy favours of indulgence and who made the heroic act for the souls who had gone before them,

R. grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

V. That those may be drawn up to the Beatific Vision, who never put obstacles in the way of sanctifying grace and who ever drew closer in mystical union with Thee,

R. grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

V. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,

R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.

Let Us Pray

Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids, N. and N., who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of grace.To these, O Lord,

and to all who rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light and peace, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Know that the experience of pain is something so noble and precious that the Divine Word, who enjoyed the abundant riches of Paradise, yet, because He was not clothed with this ornament of sorrow, came down from Heaven to seek it upon the earth.

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

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